Start date revealed for Matlock’s Premier Inn

Another major chain will be coming to Matlock as developers set the date to start work on a new budget hotel.

In September, Derbyshire Dales District Council’s central and northern area planning committee gave the nod to plans to build a Premier Inn on derelict land in front of Arc Leisure, off Bakewell Road.

Speaking at the meeting last year, Helen Binns, of Whitbread, which owns the hotelier, said: “Whitbread has been looking for a site in Matlock for many years now and this is the only site that meets their requirements.

“Premier Inn does not currently have a presence in the town or anywhere in the Matlock area – the nearest Premier Inn is in Ripley.”

But after the Mercury asked developers for an update this week, a start date for work to commence was announced.

A spokesman said building work is scheduled to start this summer, with an early 2016 completion date.

The £4million hotel development will feature 60 bedrooms plus associated parking and an on site restaurant.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of the application at the time.

The building has been specially designed to echo the style of Arc Leisure, which it neighbours.

Cllr Bob Cartwright said the development would go some way to answering Matlock’s need for hotel accommodation and help promote Matlock as a tourist destination.

He added that the town was beginning to see the fragmented rejuvenation of Bakewell Road.

Cllr Steve Flitter said: “We have always tried to encourage day visitors to stay in the area.

“If we get what the picture shows then we have got a good development that will be a credit to the town and a credit to Premier Inn and I give it my full support.”

Cllr Mike Ratcliffe commented: “I think this piece of land had started to look dilapidated so I welcome the fact that we are going to address the massive visual impact that this rather forlorn site has on the Arc.”

Cllr Judith Twigg added: “It will be so nice for the approach to Matlock.”

n Do you think this is what Matlock needs?

Send your letters about this development and the rejuvenation of the town by emailing news@matlockmercury.co.uk